~ It doesn’t get more quintessentially Tuscan; grapes vines, cypress trees and the strada brutta ~
Time is on the Cecchi’s side. For 125 years, the Cecchi family has been crafting wine in Chianti Classico and since 1960, they have called the the vineyards surrounding Villa Cerna home. These vineyards are growing older and more mature and with each passing vintage, it seems the grapes from this storied property are more complex.
2016 was very successful across Tuscany and for Villa Cerna, the source of the grapes for today’s subject wine, there was no exception. Perched on the first hill that one encounters as they drive from Siena to Chianti Classico, Villa Cerna stands majestically amidst a copse of tall cypress and pine trees seemingly casting a watchful eye over her vines.
~ Welcome to Castellina in Chianti – home to Villa Cerna and Famiglia Cecchi ~
The 2016 Cecchi Storia di Famiglia Chianti Classico is a representative blend of the family’s younger vines. Crafted from predominantly Sangiovese there are small percentages of Canaiolo and Colorino in the blend.
The wine is a beautiful color that trends from ruby at the core to violet and sunburst orange rings around the glass. Enticing aromas of crushed berry, cypress needle, tobacco leaf and brown earth are interesting and attractive. Medium bodied and not too complex on the palate but that isn’t what this wine is supposed to be. It’s the family’s story and the family’s wine. It’s an every day foil to many foods. The pleasing flavors of cherry, dried spices and tobacco are fresh and lively. Gains more perfume as it opens with air. At around $15 there is nothing not to like here. 87 points. Find this wine.
~ The 2016 Cecchi Chianti Classico is a wonderful value ~
If you are interested in more 2016’s go here: 2016 Chianti Classsico Tasting Report.
Salute!
